"A Stricking Piece Of Theatrical Americana"
Submitted by scoobydoo42 on 06/30/2008 05:21 PM
- Category: American History
- Words: 1704
- Pages: 7
- Views: 39
- Popularity Rank: 805
"A Stricking Piece Of Theatrical Americana"
During the middle of the 20th Century Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II collaborated to form one of the most successful partnerships in American theatrical history. Their dynamic team formed a new genre of musical theatre, the musical play. In their two decade reign, they worked together on Oklahoma, Carousel, Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, Me and Juliet, Pipe Dream, Flower Drum Song, The Sound of Music, State Fair , and Cinderella . Although the duo was ultimately known as a team the aspects and innovative techniques used in their lyrics and musical scores were developed well before ever collaborating.
Richard Rodgers was born in 1902 in New York City. He first collaborated with Lorenz Hart in 1920. He and Hart would continue to publish and put on musicals all the way up to 1943, until Hart died. By this time Rodgers had already made name for himself with countless accolades to his shows with Hart. However, his compositions for musicals had been greatly respected in this new form of comedic musicals. Rodger's first encounter with Hammerstein was during Hammerstein's stay at Columbia Law.
Oscar Hammerstein II was born into a family of theatrical greatness and was given the talent from birth. Born in 1895 to a Vaudeville producer, Oscar was quickly introduced into the business. His lyrical career started at Columbia University while he was studying law. Although his first couple of shows were not praised he still persisted. He finally dropped out of Columbia Law to focus on his musical theatre career.
His first success was in collaboration with Otto Harbach, Vincent Youmans and Herbert Stothart, in 1923 with Wildflowers. Hammerstein wrote lyrics and librettos for the musical. Hammerstein's greatness and ability for lyricism and operetta form can be attributed to his training and apprenticeships with some of the best composer's of the early 20th century. Hammerstein collaborated with Rudolph Friml , Sigmund Romberg ,...
You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!
